Scholars International Journal of Linguistics and Literature (SIJLL)
Volume-7 | Issue-09 | 272-278
Original Research Article
Technical Constraints Faced by Arab Translators in Subtitling Audiovisual Products from English into Arabic: Review of Constraints and Solution
Osama Mudawe Nurain Mudawe, Zahier Abuobieda Ahmed, Lubab ELtayb ELMikashfi
Published : Sept. 28, 2024
Abstract
Arab translators dealing with audiovisual products encounter enormous constraints when subtitling English into Arabic. The constraints are massive, representing linguistic and cultural as the bulk of the problematic areas. In contrast, other constraints, such as technical constraints, remain depreciated and have received less notice in research until now. Therefore, this study aims to identify the technical constraints that Arab translators face when subtitling Audiovisual products from English into Arabic. The analysis of previous contributions of some scholars and researchers revealed certain subtitling conventions wherein technical constraints such as the number of lines, characters, and words per line affect the readability and the quality of subtitling. These constraints not only exist but also seem to exist because Arabs desperately need a long overdue revolution in the subtitling industry fueled by state-of-the-art digital technology that would help tackle the technical issues associated with subtitling. The problems are investigated in depth, and solutions to overcome them are explained to enhance Arab translators' technical expertise and knowledge in generating high-quality subtitling.